BENGALURU: Lockheed Martin today hosted an Aerospace and Defence (A&D) Start-up Supplier Conference in Bengaluru, with 9 start-ups and 6 University teams in attendance for the very first time. Tier 1 Lockheed Martin suppliers interacted with Aerospace & Defence Start-ups, government officials, and university students to discuss global partnership opportunities and India Innovation Growth Program (IIGP) initiatives.

”This conference has been a wonderful forum for relevant IIGP start-ups to interact with Aerospace and Defense Tier1 suppliers to create market access opportunities”, said Dr. Vivek Lall, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, adding, “Strengthening public-private partnerships in India is a key priority for us.”

The Oct. 12 event featured a panel discussion ─ “Ecosystem Support for Aerospace & Defense Start-ups in India” ─ and a display of Indian university team projects. Representatives from industry, as well as Department of Science and Technology and MoD partner iDEX incubator leadership, also interacted with the university teams and start-ups to explore mentorship opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Phil Shaw, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India Pvt. Ltd., said that, ”By bringing together established organisations and start-ups in the aerospace and defense sector to explore what is within the realm of the possible, Lockheed Martin seeks to further incubate innovation, and contribute to the enhancement of Indian industrial capability. Alongside our industrial ventures in India, today’s activity represents yet another way we continue to support the “MakeInIndia”, “Skill India” and “Startup India” initiatives.” The day culminated with presentations and Q&A by selected start-ups and Tier 1 Supply Chain Managers.